While the Vimy monument itself is of course stunningly beautiful, before April 2017 visitors were given little context at the previous information booth as to why Canadians fought and died there; why Vimy remains special to the Canadian soul; and how Vimy, and other First World War battles at which Canadians fought, forever altered Canada’s status on the world stage. The Vimy Visitor Education Centre located adjacent the Vimy Monument, inaugurated at the Vimy Centennial Celebrations in April 2017 can now will answer these questions.
The Vimy Visitor Education Centre was a project in partnership with Veteran Affairs Canada ($5 million was committed by the Government of Canada in 2013).
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For photos of the grand opening of the Vimy Visitor Education Centre click here.
For photos of the construction of the Vimy Visitor Education Centre click here.
The Vimy Foundation is leading the charge to commemorate the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge – the First World War battle that paved the way to an Allied victory, and solidified Canada as an independent nation. Please check out how you can get involved by attending events in your community, giving a VIMY for Vimy, and see the latest plans for the new Vimy Visitor Education Centre, opened on April 8, 2017.
Can’t be there in person? EF Educational Tours Canada has released an amazing 360 video of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Take a virtual tour:
Overview
In 2017, Canada is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a seminal event in Canada’s history. The crowning achievement of the Centennial celebrations was the unveiling of the state-of-the-art Vimy Visitor Education Centre ($5 million was committed by the Government of Canada in 2013) near the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France – a project from Vimy Foundation in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada.
While the Vimy monument itself is of course stunningly beautiful, currently visitors are given little context at the existing information booth as to why Canadians fought and died there; why Vimy remains special to the Canadian soul; and how Vimy, and other First World War battles at which Canadians fought, forever altered Canada’s status on the world stage. The Vimy Visitor Education Centre will answer these questions. The Centre will feature an Education Room, Museum Hall, Exhibit spaces, Resource Centre, and a Wall of Remembrance.
To commemorate the Vimy centennial, we are also offering dedication opportunities within the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park, see more information below.
A number of key Canadians have lent their support to this important project, becoming part of the Vimy 2017 Committee, including current and former heads of state, federal and provincial politicians, military leaders, and supporters from the business, arts, academic, and philanthropic communities in Canada.
Contact Jeremy Diamond, Vimy Foundation Executive Director, to discuss ways you can get involved! кредит
As a centennial project to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge as well as the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the Vimy Foundation has created the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park, adjacent to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in northern France. This 4 acre commemorative park complements the surrounding area and will be a reflective space for visitors to Vimy. Built on private farmland purchased by the Vimy Foundation, the land has required extensive demining and preparation prior to creation of the park.
** There are still ongoing opportunities to be involved in supporting the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park. A very limited number of Centennial Trees (Vimy Oaks) are still available. Scroll down for more information on the various ways you can support this living memorial.**
Photos from the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park – October 2020
PARK DESIGN & KEY ELEMENTS
The Vimy Foundation Centennial Park is designed as a place for reflection about the role Canada played in the First World War and an opportunity to honour the Great War generation. All elements of the park have been carefully chosen. Design by Linda Dicaire, Landscape Architect.
VIMY OAKS
The Centennial Park features 100 Centennial Trees dedicated to Canadians. The repatriated Vimy Oaks (Read more about the Vimy Oaks here) commemorate the living spirit of those who fought and testify to the intimate relationship between people and nature even in the most tragic circumstances. The four rows of trees in the centre circle commemorate the four Canadian divisions that participated in the battle in 1917.
Each Centennial Tree is available for $10,000 and will feature the donor’s name on the Centennial Park plaque. Proceeds will support Vimy Centennial Park and education programs of the Vimy Foundation. *Limited number of Centennial trees remain*
On October 29, 2018, French children from the nearby town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle assisted with the planting of the Vimy Oaks at the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park. Thank you for your help! Click here to view the photos.
THE RIDGE: TO VENERATE A BURIED HISTORY
The Vimy Foundation, to commemorate the legacy of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, created The Ridge: To Venerate A Buried History. This water feature was commissioned after a competition with entrants from Canada’s leading design universities. The winning team combined the talents of three Thesis Level Masters of Architecture students from Carleton University: Scott Normand, Kevin Complido, and Brendan Dyck. In their proposal, the team states:
The intention driving the project is for this theoretical interaction to be tranquil and thought-provoking and for it to reinforce the dialogue of peace and remembrance.
CENTENNIAL BENCHES
The paths through the Centennial Park create a unique perspective of the Vimy Memorial, surrounded by Vimy Oaks. Centennial benches, placed throughout the park, provide an opportunity for gathering, dialogue, and extended reflection, all essential elements to conflict resolution and peace that the monument inspires. Scroll down for the list of Centennial Bench donors. Proceeds will support Vimy Centennial Park and education programs of the Vimy Foundation.
THE BUGLER MEMORIAL SCULPTURE
Camp Borden was founded in 1916, training nearly fifty thousand soldiers for service in The Canadian Expeditionary Force. For many of those soldiers, their first action was during the Battle of Arras, and specifically the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The Memorial Sculpture of the Bugler is generously provided by CFB Borden. The Memorial Sculpture of the Bugler, designed by the Canadian artist Marlene Hilton Moore, invites visitors to reflect on moments one hundred years earlier, as the bugle call rang out at the dawn of morning of April 9, 1917, and again on November 11, 1918 at the beginning of peace. A twin Bugler is installed at CFB Borden in the Borden Legacy Park, calling to the now-empty trenches that once trained soldiers before they left for battle overseas. Read more about the Borden Legacy Park here, created for the centennial anniversary of the establishment of Base Borden.
CENTENNIAL PARK FLAGPOLE
Standing tall like the Vimy Oaks around it, the Canadian flag flies proudly. The flagpole is sponsored by Molson Coors, in memory of Captain Percival Molson, M.C. On July 5, 1917, Captain Percival Molson, MC was killed by a German howitzer during fighting at Avion, near Vimy Ridge. “To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high.”
CENTENNIAL PARK SUPPORTERS
Vimy Centennial Park Sponsor
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Centennial Flagpole
Proudly sponsored by Molson Coors In memory of Captain Percival Molson, M.C. “To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.”
Centennial Benches
The Province of Alberta remembers those Albertans who served their country in the First World War, and subsequent wars.
In grateful memory of the men of the 13th, 42nd and 73rd Battalions C.E.F. who valiantly fought here in 1917. En mémoire des hommes du 13e, 42e et 73e bataillons F.E.C. qui se sont vaillamment battues ici en 1917. Perpetuated by / Perpétués par : The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada
10th Battalion Calgary Highlanders “The Fighting 10th”
John and Pattie Cleghorn and Family
In loving memory of grandfather Pte. Hugh MacDougall, 1/1st Lovat’s Scouts Yeomanry Wounded at Gallipoli, Sept., 1915
Je Suis Prest.
The Graham & Gayle Cooke Foundation Vancouver, Canada
The gift of The Peter Cundill Foundation on behalf of F Peter Cundill 1938-2011; a great Canadian, whose deep understanding of history afforded him a profound appreciation of the valour and the gritty determination displayed by his countrymen at Vimy.
In memory of all soldiers who served and gave their lives for our freedom. Fasken
Karen Girling, Bruce MacLellan, Ally and Sara, in memory of those who served.
In memory of: Donald Wilfred Machum 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles 1895 – 1966 Donald Alexander Machum 1927 – 2007
Hamilton Academy of Medicine in support of Docs on Ice
In dedication to the brave men and women who fought for freedom at Vimy Ridge On behalf of Husky Injection Molding Systems
In memory of their valour and their bravery. The people of Manitoba, Canada will never forget the many who fought and died for our freedom.
Asseyez-vous.
Enjoy the view of freedom they would insist. John Adie RFA 1914-18
Miner Family Canada
Le Nouveau-Brunswick se souvient New Brunswick Remembers
Don de la province du Nouveau-Brunswick Donated by the Province of New Brunswick
The Government of Nova Scotia commemorates Nova Scotians who served, and continue to serve Canada. We shall never forget their service and sacrifice.
The Government of Ontario is proud to pay tribute to the Canadians heroes who bravely fought to preserve our values and freedoms. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.
Le gouvernement de l’Ontario est fier de rendre hommage aux héros canadiens qui ont combattu avec bravoure pour préserver nos valeurs et nos libertés. Nous leur sommes à jamais reconnaissants pour leur service et leurs sacrifices.
In memory of Helen Allen Stacey who connected thousands of needy children with adoptive parents and Col. C.P. Stacey, professor and official historian of the Canadian Army in the Second World War. Remembered by their loving families and friends.
The Vimy Oaks Legacy Corporation
Centennial Trees
Amelia & Lino Saputo Jr. Foundation
Assurant
Bain Family, in memory of Pvt William Arthur Wilcox, 15th Bn, lost at Festubert, France May 21, 1915
The Boquist Family
The Burton Family in memory of Graham Burton
The Cadets of the Eastern Arctic. Thank you for your Gift of Freedom.
Graham Campbell & Rachel St. John
Joseph L. Campbell and Joan Miller-Campbell
From the Capern Walimaki Family, in loving memory of our ancestors who sacrificed for us all.
The Men and Women of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service / Les hommes et les femmes du Service de l’aumônerie royale canadienne
To honour ARLINGTON CLARKE and the many brave Canadians who fought at Vimy Ridge. The Clarke Family
A.Coburn & D.Auringer families in memory of Thomas Wilson, 196th Battalion CEF
Costigan family, in memory of Major John Francis Costigan, 50th Battalion infantry. April 4th 1917 Canada.
Craig, Debois, Isaacs, Mierins, Tilgner, Warner. Remembering Those Who Sacrificed Their Lives For Ours
The Croxon Family
In Memory of General Sir Arthur Currie
The Dalglish Family
Donnelly Automotive Group, Ottawa
Robert C. Douglas and Joanne R. Sutherland in Honour of James R. Sutherland Sr. 44th Bn(Manitoba)
We remember Jack and Fred Evans, brothers from Parkland, Alberta, who died at the Somme in Nov. 1916
Flinker Family
Robert Francis
The Fraser Family in memory of Frederick Thomas Lodge & John (Jack) Fraser
In memory of the brave souls who fought for our freedoms. We owe you immeasurable Gratitude. The Galt Family.
Matt and Erin Giffen & Family
The Glover Family honours Sergeant Winfred (Fred) Alexander Glover, 21st Battalion, Canadian Infantry
Ian & Christie Gray Family, Port Credit Ontario
Alan Greenberg, Darcia Rowntree and Families
Ken and Dianne Griffith & Family
Harold S. Hadley & Claudia J. Kennedy
La Municipalité régionale de Halifax est honorée de soutenir le maintien du legs des chênes de Vimy.
In memory of Capt Frank Edgar Hamblin, 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles
Ainslie Hogan and sons
For Brave Valentine, with Love The Hyatt Family
Industrial Alliance
The MFL Jaques Family, In loving memory of Lieutenant Maurice Alexander Jaques, lost Sept 3, 1916
The Kelleher Family in memory of Dr. W.R. Harwood
The Kelsall Family In honour of Corporal Samuel Lester Kelsall 58th Battalion 9th MGC 3rd Division
Landscape Ontario
Nancy MacKellar
We will not break faith, nous nous souviendrons. Fergus, Molly & Racheal McCaig
The McCook, Leger, and Styner Family
In memory of Bill and Joan Livingston
Mr. & Mrs. S. Mehta, Mississauga, ON, in memory of our beloved servicemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Requiescat in pace.
The Mews Family in memory of Lieutenant Henry (Harry) George Reginald Mews
Karen Miller and Gerald McDonnell
Mike Stollery Automotive Partnerships in honour of Private G. R. Mowforth
The Men and Women of Operation Guardian Force who care for and Remember our Veterans
The Knights and Dames of the Order of St. George Canada. We Will Remember You.
LCol William and Carolyn Patton in memory of LT T.J. Taylor, Cpl R. Anderson, and Pte W. Coolen
Barry & Elizabeth A. Peacock, in memory of Robert Charles Peacock
Randy & Carolyn Peek & Family
Pembcorp Automotive Group
In memory of soldiers of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry who paid the supreme sacrifice 9-12 April 1917
In memory of Andrew Powell
Dedicated on behalf of the No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation, to all that rest upon this sacred Canadian land in France. We encourage all and especially, the world’s youth, to gaze upon its beauty and understand that the oak tree is a symbol of Bravery, Power, Protection and Truth. Please remember their sacrifices and the strength it took to defend us. We hope all will make a pledge, when they stand before it, to remember. May they be commemorated forever and our gratitude infinite. Peace be with you. Maureen Bianchini Purvis, Randall Purvis, Sara McNeill, Keely Yates, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Robert Quartermain
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, The Royal Regiment of Canada, and the 48th Highlanders of Canada salute their perpetuated CEF battalions – 3rd, 15th, 58th, 83rd, 92nd, 95th, 123rd, 124th, 134th, 166th, 170th, 198th, 204th and 255th. We will remember them!
The Ritz & Hunt families in memory of Pte Harry Franklin Ritz (78th Bn)
Honour – Courage – Sacrifice / Royal Canadian Navy
Royal Military Colleges of Canada, Class of 1973. Truth, Duty, Valour / Vérité, Devoir, Vaillance
The Shanahan Carriage Company in memory of Lieutenant-Colonel John H. Chipman, MC, VD
Shannon Family in loving memory of of our grandfather Wilfrid J. Fagan
The family of Pte. Thomas Lloyd Smith – April 27, 1917, Vimy Ridge
In loving memory of our angel Barbara (Glica) Sweeney 1957 – 2019. You live in our hearts.
TAO Asset Management
We will remember them. Forever grateful, the Tattersall family and Heathbridge Capital Management
Irene Topits
Honouring the sacrifices of University of Toronto students, alumni, faculty and staff.
The Vickers Family in memory of Gunner Arthur Vickers and Private Arthur Fordham
Courage Remembered – In loving memory of G. Kingsley Ward and Adele E. Ward
The Wood Family in memory of Flight Lieutenant John Harvie Wiley
The Wyant Family in memory of Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon M. Wyant, OC, CD, QHP
Le 22e Régiment, le Régiment de Maisonneuve, les Fusiliers Mont-Royal
To purchase a Centennial Tree and support the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park and educations programs, please contact us at info@vimyfoundation.ca or 416.595.1917. кредит
Centennial Plaques were sponsored by community members and groups to support the design and construction of the new Vimy Visitor Education Centre and to honour a family member, friend, veteran, or community member. These plaques will be mounted in the Visitor Education Centre in Vimy, France. Each Centennial Plaque will remain on the wall in perpetuity to be read by visitors who enter the Visitor Education Centre and demonstrate the national significance of the building.
Thank you to all who have made donations through our ‘Give a Vimy for Vimy’ initiative. These donations helped support our 2017 Centennial activities.
1902774 Alberta Ltd.
Harry Wylie Abel
Peter Abrams
Joseph Russell Albert
Charles Alderson
Caroline Alexander
Nicholas Alexandris
Alfred and Herbert
All the Canadians.
Ralph E. Allen
Walter S. Allward
Karen Almadi
David Altwasser
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
C.J. Amm
J.J. Amm
John James Amm
Archibald Annan
Anne & Will
Robert Appleton
Ambrose Archer
Percy Argyle, #198747
Amy Armstrong
Hailey Armstrong
Paul Armstrong
Sereda Ashcroff
Tokoure Assoumative
Pauline M Atkinson
Christianne Audet
Nursing sister Esthaol Bagshaw
Charles Roy Bailey
James N. Baker
Mercedes Baker
Ryan D.C. Baker
Warren Bard
Tom Barlow
In Memory of Lance Corporal Ronald Barlow
Shane Barnes
John Barnes
Steven Barre
Paul Bates
Ken Battersby
Rob Baxter
Mary C. Beaussart
Carla Beckett
Benjamin Beedling
Christopher Beetham
Mike Behuniak
Michael Belec
Joe Belfontaine
Jeffery Bell
Karen Bell
Mr. Donald L Berard
Scott Biggs
William Birchall
Geoffrey Bird
R Ian Birtwell
Gwen Bishop
Harold Fletcher Bishop
Rebecca Blacklaws
Gerald Edward Blackstock
Vimy Patricia Loftus Blackstock
Norval R Blair
Henry Edward Blake
PO2 Craig Blake
Douglas K Blakeley RCNVR
Charlie Blakey
Marie Blanchard
Gerald Blezy
Gail E Blondon
Barry Bloomfield
Michael Blythe EXP
William Boath
In memoriam to Private Russell John Boland
Joe Borges
Dr and Mrs D Bouchard
Lars & Rene Bouman
Hillery Bourne
Charlotte Bouskill
Pvt. Charles Edward Bowman 127648 Canadian Cemetery No. 2
Harry Boyce
Colin Boyd
Hugh Boyd 85th NS Highlanders
Michael Boyes
Jon Bradley
Brave Canadians
Caroline Bredeson
Edward Gordon Bresnahan
Tom Bridel, soldier at Vimy
Fred Bridel, soldier at Vimy
Dawson Bridges
Mr. R. Mark Brigham
Adam Brown
Merl Brown
In Memory of Robert Henry Brown who fought at Vimy Ridge
Yvonne Brown
L/Cpl John Howard Brown
Tracy Bryce
John Bucsi
Michael Bull
John David Burnes
Gunner Walter H Burnett 25 05 1917
Morley Burton
Sydney Burton
Jack W.B. Butler
Peter M Butler
Jeff Bycraft
David Cadoret
In memory of William Thompson Calderwood
Brenden Caldwell
Thomas Caldwell
Tom & Jane Callen
LCol Tom Callen,CD, RC Sigs (Ret’d)
Gordon J Campbell
Robert Campbell
Ronald Campbell
John Campion and Jean Cumming
John C Cannon
Byzantine Imperial House of Cantacuzéne
Greg Capeling
Stacey Cardiff 908137
Mario Carnevale
Brett W.J. Carr
Agostino Cassar
Daniel Cassar
Grace Cassar
Ted Catton
Jim Cavin
Marcia Cavin
Sara N Cecile
Joseph Cesnik
Hylda Chambers
Leonard Chan
Elliot Chaplin
Julye Johanne Charlebois
Joel Robert Denis Charlebois
Jeff Charpentier
Bev Chettleborough
Clement W.Y. Cheung
Robert Chevalier
Signaller Thomas H. Chisolm, 42nd Canadian Highlanders
Ian Christensen
Laurie Christensen
Mark Christopher
Charles Chu
Barbara Clancy
Barbara M Clancy
Reg H Clancy
Susan Clancy
Pte EG Clarke
Lisa Cameron Clarke
Greg Clarke
Orrin M. Clayton
Paul Clinton
Doug & Joan Clute
Doug Clute
John & Jill Coles
Jeff & Sherrie Coles Family
Robert Collier
John Coltart
Laura Comin
Brian J Connor
Amelia I. Cook
John H. Cook
Charles Leslie Cooke
John Cooke, Jack Cooke, Sharon Kaur in Memory of John Orme Cooke 4CMR and Melvin Leroy Dolph 52 CEF
Cathy Cooper
Cecil Cooper
Craig Corbett
Matt Corrigan
George W. Cost
Cliff j Cowan
Justine Cowitz
Thomas Crawford
Philip Creates
Sydney Creates
David Crews
Doug Cronin
Edward Thomas Crothers
Margot Cudmore
William G Cunningham
Glen Cyca
David Czuczman
Johanna & Mike Dabrowski Family
Stephen Dame
James Dare
Brigitte d’Auzac
Beth Dea
Earl Dear
Matthieu Debost
Arnaud De Block
Mary Jane Decloux
F.C. DeCoste
Thomas Deeks
Linda Dennis
Chris De Guerre
Fred Craig Derry
Marc Despatie
Gary M Diamond
Jeremy Diamond
Michelle Diamond
Arthur Dickinson
Richard Dishan
John Dixon
Richard Dixon
Thomas J. Dixon
Randell Dodge
Gregory D. Doell
Alix & Patrick Doherly
Sgt. Andrew Doiron
Murray G Douglas
Ralph Douglas
Caroline Downes
Gord & Vicki Drimmie
Gord Drimmie and Family
Gord Drimmie
Richard R Duffield
Colin Duffy
Jim Duholke
Richard Duncan
Frank Dunlap
Norma Dwyer
Shirley Dyer
Gladstone Burwash Earl
Hiram Arnold Earl
Malcolm Eaton
Stuart Eby
David Edgar
Kelly Edgar
Paul Edge
Merv Edinger
Brian D. Edwards
Laura Elash
David Elloway
Sgt. J.M. Elo CD
Gary Endicott
Sandra M Ens
Gareth Evans
Gareth Evans
Pamela Eveleigh
In memory of Howard John Gaskell Exton
Carol Eyre
In Memory of Carol Eyre
Ian Fachie
Michael Fahey
Colin Federow
Robert Fenech
Robert Gerald Fenech
Tim Fenton
Lyle Ferryman
David and Nicola Finch
David a Fisch
Jeffrey Fisher
Noelle Fisher
Gary Fishlock
Graham Flack
Peter Flattery
Alexandra F Fokine
Komstantin Fokins
Frederic, Violet, Lottie and Helen Foley
In memory of Roy Forbes who bravely fought at Vimy Ridge
Jordan Robert Fraser
Sean Fraser
James I Freeman
Bob French
Brad Friesen
Wendy Friesen
Pierrette Frost
Dudley Bertram Fryer (Vimy Ridge Veteran)
Lawrence Fuaco
Keary Brooks Galley, 2nd Cdn Division
Susan L. Gardener
Lorraine Garneau
Susan Garrett
Ken & Laurie Gaughan
Paul Gibbens
John Gildner
Harry Giles
Garth Gilligan
Greg Godbeer
Charles Godwin
David B Godwin
Gerald I. Goldlist
Megan Goodwin
HV Gore (Victor)
Ariel and Sadie Gottheil
W.H. Goulden
Sherrill Graham
Colin Graham
David Green
Vimy Veteran Francis Green
Colby Gulka
Joyce Gurnsey
Lillian Hafford
Kurt Hahn
Spencer Halickman
William Hall
Donald C Hallam
Sandra and Steve Halpenny
Brenda Hamilton
Alan Hammond
Captain Edwin Harewood
W. Peter H. Harding
F/Lt Basil J. Harford RCAF
Pte.Basil Harford, 27th Batt. CEF
Emelia Harker
Jay Harker
Natalie Harker
Valerie Harker
David R. Harkness
Martin R Harman
Peter Hart
Rhonda and Darrell Hartman
Stanley Hartt
Pte Arthur Thomas Hawkins
Cathy Hawkins
Anna Haycock
Frederick Hayes
Martha Healey
George Alexander Hayes
Robert N Heath
Thomas Hedges and Family
Kathleen M. Henderon
Barbara W. Henderson
Elise M. Henderson
Judy R. Henderson
Kevin D. Henderson
Melvin S. Henderson
Robert Henderson
Ronald L. Henderson
Ross L. Henderson
Thomas J. Henderson
Curt Hering
Kirsten Hering
Darrell Heron
Julia Roberts-Heron
Janis Higgins
Christopher Hilkene
Harry Hill
James William Hill
Susan Hill
Bruce Hilton
Twylla Hodgins
Andrew Hoppe
Michael Horn
Janet Hornby
Gordon Horne
Wilfred Horne
David I Houghton
Tommy Houghton
Ken House
Bill Howard
Frances Howe
Kristin Howe
Matthew Howe
Norman Howe
Kevin Hronek
York Hsiang
The Huddleston’s
Janet Hudgins
Arthur Hughes
Rhoda Marjory Hughes
Arthur Huston
Ralph Hutton
Dennis Hutton
In memory of the brave young soldiers who laid down their lives for our freedom.
Derek Irons
Jean Jackson
Gary Jacombs
Betty D. James
Henry Janzen
Holly Jarand
Neil & Rita Jeffrey
Bodil Eve Jensen
Eric Jensen
Robin & Trudy Jensen
Robert Ambrose Jensen
Victor Jermolow
Curtis Jerrom
Warren Jerrom
Memoriam – Leonard Eldridge Jerrom – 44th Battalion
Lorne Jessop
In Memory of Edgar Johncox
Ernie R Johnson
PVT Albin Solman Johnson 5th Btn
William George Washington Johnston
William Henderson Johnston
Wilf Johnston
Diane Jones
Hopkins Jones
Jennifer Jones
Greg Kalapothareas
Edwin Kamps
Tass J. Kanakos
Michael S Kaplan
C. Karolewski
T. Karolewski
Dr. Edward Katz
Edward Katz
Barry and Cheryl Kay
John Keating
Will Kee
Sean Keenan
Grant A Kehrli
James Kelly
Brian Kelly
Robert Kennedy
Linda Kennedy
Regimental Sergeant Major Stephen Kern, CD
Robert Kerr
Terry Kerr
Harry Kersbergen
Joe Keyes
Blair Kidney
Kim
Noreen King
Al Kirton
Murray Kissick
In memory of Arthur Kitchen and Renee Kitchen
Lara Kleinschroth
Robert Knapp
Shirley M Knapp
David L. Knight
Edwin Knox
Rudolf Kokai
Doug Kozak
Michael Krawchuk
Stephanie Kribs
Lynne Kurylo
Lynn Kustra
Lynn M Kustra
Akash Kygo
Rob Laalo
Roger Lace
Stu Lach
James Harvey Lackie
Margaret Lacoste
Mario Lalletti
Alain S. Lalonde
Gail E. Lalonde
Richard Paul Lamy
Pte. Walter F. Lang 190103
John Langstaff (Vernon BC)
William Larocque
Walter Larocque
George V. Laughton
Richard V Laughton
André et Marie Laurendeau
Debra J Laurie
Jeremy K. Lavoie
Wayne K Lawrence
Bill Lawson
Patricia Lawson
Leslie David Laxton
David Lebert
Joan Girling Leduc
Emily Lee
Evered James Lee
Christopher Leightell
Anne Leith
Raynald H Lemelin
Raymond Léon
James V Leroux
Elizabeth M. Leverette
Linda Levstein
Jordan Lewans
Gary Ley
Robert Lilja
Chris & Diane Lindstrom
Cpl. Robert Lipton
David Lipton
Graham Livingstone
Harold Livingstone
Jim Livingstone
Robert Livingstone
Steele Livingstone
Fonda B Loft
Jonathan Oliver Black Loftus
Wellington Loney
Beverley Lough
Leona C Love
Doug Lowe
R. Alex Loy
Robert A. Loy
Peter Lubke, CPA, CMA, CGA
Mike Lunny
Pete & Marianne Lupiano Family
Joe, Debbie, Maddie, Patrick & Allison Lynch
M.U.S.
Robert B Mac Donald
Laura Macdonald
Beth MacDonell
David MacDougall
Megan Mackinnon (for Kathleen)
Darlene MacLean
Rose Marie Maclennan
Michael MacPherson
John MacNeil
Barry Magill
Guy Maillet
Tim Majovsky
Susan Mallinson
George Richard Mansell
François Marquette
Diane Marcotte
Stephen Marinelli
Toni Marion
Paul T Markham
Dwayne Marlowe
Janice Marshall
George Marshall and Andrew Allan
John Martens
Julia Martens
Peter Martinek
Robert Massie
Brian Matthews
Julie Matthews
Carol Matthews
Jennifer Matthews
Jacqueline Matthews
William Maxwell
Captain James May
John G. McCarten
Mr Kevin McCarthy
Howard McCartney
Robert David McChesney
Douglas and Betty-Lou McChesney
Sean McCue
Janice McCurdie
Jerry McDonnell
Rob McFarlane
Stephen McGowan
Ruth McIntosh
Aileen McIntosh
Edward Mckay
Donald Sutherland McKellar
Raymond McKendrick
Melissa McKibbin
John McKibbon
John Edward McKinney
Jim McKinnon
Cindy McKinnon
William McLean
Jock McLeary
KP McNamara
Christina McNeil
William ‘Jock’ McNeil
John McNeill
Gail McPhail
Steven Medley
Michael Meighan
John A. Melvin
Sophie Méthot
Col. (Ret.) W. Allan Methven
John Middleton
Carolyne Mignault
Sgt. Hugh Millar
Frederick Bertram Milley
Dorothy Mills
Harold Mills
Thomas Milway
Ken Miner
Gary Miner
Howard F. Mitchell
Jon Mitchell
Wayne Gordon Mitchell
Anatoli Monid
Timothy Monk
Marco “Mike” Montagano, Grandfather
In memoriam of Francis J. Mooney
Geray Moore
Kathleen Moore
Barbara Morgan
Glen Morris
Harvey L Morrison
Kelly Morrison
Ernie E Mowat
John Muir
Alfred Joseph Muise
Rupert Mullins
Burton Murchie
John Scott Murray
George M. Myatte
Kenneth Naisbitt
Peter Naperstkow
Elizabeth Naumovski
Allan Naylor
Lancelyn R Nelson
Charlie Nesbitt
Luella A.R. Neurauter
Milton G. Neurauter
MCpl Ryan Alexander New
May Newman
Fred Nichol
Nienhuis Family
In memoriam Mr. John Dudley Noble WWII – RAF
Julie Normandeau
Leacy O’Brien
Michael O’Keefe
Steven and Barbara Oliver
Marie Olney (daughter of Andrew Olney WWII veteran))
Bob O’Neil
Terence John O’Neill
William J. Orr
Our Grandfathers
Captain David Owen
Robert D M Owen
Brett Padget
Andrea Page
Lee Parent
Daniel Parenteau
David E. Parker
Zachary J Parrott
In memory of John Parry – C.F.A. – 19th btry
Scott Parsons
Robert Paterson
Silvano Patrignani
Renton H Patterson
Bill Peacock
Robert (Bob) Pearson
Jean G. Pedersen
George Alfred Perkins
Raymond Perkins
William Perks
Jack Perrow
Al Petrie
Curtis Petrie
Len Pettman
Dion Petz
Gordon C Peverill
Robert W. Pfister
Christopher Phillips
Elizabeth Phillipson
Gillian Pichler
Peter Pichler
Neil Pirhonen
Barbara Pittman
Edward Pittman
Nettie Belle Plaza
June Plemel
Randy Plemel
F/S Cyrille E. Poissant
Doreen A. Pollitt
William Polzin
Great Uncle Charlie- Charles Thomas Porter
William G. Portman
Shane Potvin
Andrew Powell
Lynne Prendergast
Grandfather J. Percy Prestwich, Veteran
In memory of Charles Price, who was there
Tom Price
Ashley Prouse
Robert Purcell
Qi Dai Family
Jean Quine
Natalie Quinn
Ronald Quinn
Patricia Rachel
Brian Rainville
Barry Ralph
Rubeta Ralph
Charles & Cara Ramsey
Major W. A. Randall
Paul Raphael
John H W Rathwell
James Rattray
Gordon Rea
In memory of Charles Reaper
Jonathan Reddekopp
Connie Reiber
Paul Reiber
Jennifer Reveler
Ronald Rice
Charles A Richardson
Edna Richardson
Karen Riehm
Irving Riley
Linda Riley
McKeddie Robert
Cynthia Roberts
Charles S. Robinson
In Memory of Frederick J. Robinson
Martin H Robinson
James Robson
Lance Corporal Peter Robson
Lance Cpl.Peter Robson
PTE James Robson ww 1
Lynn Robson-Brick
Gary Rollerson
Jerzy Romaniec
Arden and Nicola Rosaasen
Craig Rose
Kurt Rosentreter
Morgan Cameron Ross
Robert Ross
Michel M Rouleau
John Rowley
Thelma Rowsell
Roy
Claude Roy
Paul Roy
Catherine Rubincam
Stephen Ruch
Brian E Rudolph
Ted Rumble
Thomas T. Rusnov
Fran Ariel Russell
Peter E Rutherford
Angela M Ryan
Noel Ryan
Sandy Ryan E.D.
Liam Ryan
Kristen Sage
Peter M Sanderson
Sangiuliano Family
Louis Sapi
Douglas J. Sapsford
Laurent Saucier
Patrice Saucier
Connie Sboch
Jerome Schafer
Joan Schafer
Doris Schmidt
Liz Schroeder
George W Scott
John R. Scott
Russell Scott
The Scott Family
R. Craig Searle
BGen (Ret’d) James Selbie
Eldon A. Semple
Eric Senos Jr
John & Grace Shaddick
Christopher Shannon
Emily Shaw
Thomas Shaw
Ryan Shead
Carita Sheehy
Ken Shelbourn
Mervyn C Sheppard
Barbara Sheptycki
Barry Sheptycki
Charles Arthur Sherman
Charles Sherman
Roger & Mags Shorey
Jon Shrubsole
Bert & Judi Shrubsole Family
Ellis W. Sifton
Peter Simmons
Larry Simpson
Thomas Simpson
Bronx K Siu
William R Skitch
Jane Skocdopole
Ronald Allan Smith
Paula Smowton
Paula Soper
John H C Soule
Brian Soutiere
Thomas Spence
Patrick Stahn
Mary Stein
Robert Stephen
John Stephens
Murray Stephens
Jill Sterritt
Linda Stevens
Captain Charles F Stevenson
Harry Attwood Stevenson
J.D.M. Stewart
Mackie O Stewart
Trisha Stewart
Randy Stone
Susan Stone
Thomas Edward Storey
Eric Strand
Ernie Strickland
Keith Strub
Doug Strype
Grant Stuart
Norman Earl Studholme
PVT (907992) David Stanley Stuffles
Brian Stulte
Seana Sullivan
Taylor Summer-Kibblewhite
Sukhvinder Sunger
Dorothy Sutton
Rose Swan
Debbie Sykora
Tony Sykora
Alain Talbot
Derek Tam
Beau Taylor
Tetreault Family
William Tett
Frank Lloyd Thomas
Jim & Nola Thomas
James Thompson
Robert Thompson
Sheldon B. Thorpe
Harold Thorsteinson
Those who made the ultimate sacrifice
Charles Cecil Tilbury
Mary Tod
Richard Topham
Valerie Torck
Barry R Towson
Jonathon & Stacey Trenchard
Frank Tse
Patricia Tuck-Hjelholt
Alfred Ernest Tucker
Craig Tucker
Ray Turenne
Peter Turkington
Robert R Turner
Jim Turner
Guy Turpin
Tanya Tygesen
Michael Tyreii
Neil Unwin
Gene Valent
Paul Valentine
William Vanderspek
Evert (EV)_ Van Eerden
Roger Van Dorne
Evert Van Ginkel
James Vercaigne
Louise Veres-Eceri
Eric Vesey
Lieut. Desmond Vicars
Brian FJ Vollmer
John Wadey
Aly Wakif
C/Sgt A. Wakif
David Henry Waldron
David Sterling Waldron
Bill Walker
Private Thomas Samuel Walker
Jean Walters
Michelle Wang
Roy W Wannamaker
Michael Ward
T Gai Ward
Lawrence Wareing
William & Lynn Watson
Christine Wauters
Dr Howard weaver
Nicholas Webb
John Welk
Susan Weston
Theodore George Whalley
Elizabeth & Peter Whatmore
John F. White
Cecil Wilder
Ken S Wildgoose
Kerri Wigle
Arthur E. Wilkins
David M. Wilkins
Michael Williams
Todd Williams
Andrew Wilson
Richard Wilson
Lorraine Wiman
Debra Wilson
Bruce Wilson
Gordon Wilson
Neil & Dawn Wilson
Jim Windsor
William Wirth
Ken Wolch
Joe Womersley
RCKG WOOD
Emma Wood
Elliot McFarland Wood
Warren Wood
John A.E. Woodhouse
Gary Woodward
David Wrathall
Evared Inkerman Wright
Jonathan Christopher Wright
Bruce & Margaret Wright
Lieut. Douglas Christie Wright, RFC, 18th Bn
Richard Wu
C. Kemm Yates
Peter Young
Sergeant Percy Young
Drew Young
Gemma Zecchini
Kirsten Zemp
Denise Ziebart
Ryan Ziebart
After the Battle of Vimy Ridge was won, many soldiers realized that they had been part of something truly great. Leslie Miller, born in 1889 in Milliken, ON, looked around for a souvenir on the Ridge. It was completely devoid of structures or vegetation due to shell fire but he did find a half buried oak tree. He gathered up a handful of acorns.
Those acorns were subsequently planted by him on farmland in Scarborough, ON, which is now home to the Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church. He called his farm the ‘Vimy Oaks Farm’. Today, several of the original oaks survive. However, there are no original oaks on the Vimy Ridge site.
VIMY OAKS IN FRANCE
The Vimy Foundation, in partnership with the Vimy Oaks Legacy Corporation, is working to repatriate these Vimy Oaks of Scarborough-Agincourt back to Vimy, France, to help preserve Canada’s First World War legacy through the creation of a living memorial.
All the saplings were sold! The Vimy Foundation is grateful to the Canadians who contributed to this important project. Please feel free to send us photos of your Vimy Oaks.
In January 2015, the process began with professional arborists taking cuttings (scions) from the crowns of the oaks which will be grafted onto base root stock – quercus robur. (Photos from this process can be found here.) The saplings have been grown at Connon NVK nurseries using an accelerated method.
Donations were used to support the creation of the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park in France as well as ongoing education programs.
The planting of a Vimy Oak was a special way for schools, libraries, and other community organizations to mark the end of the First World War centennial period. These special trees, brought back as acorns from Vimy Ridge to grow in Canada, were an opportunity for groups to acknowledge the impact that the First World War had on their community, and to gather together in a ceremony when the tree was planted in the ground.
For younger readers, Linda Granfield’s The Vimy Oaks: A Journey to Peaceis an excellent entry-point for discussing the First World War and Remembrance alongside the Vimy Oaks.
100 years ago poetry was an integral part of Canadian life. Everyone read poetry, most wrote it, you had to learn some in school, and poems are found in almost all the war diaries and letters. Of course, the most famous being In Flanders Fields…
The Vimy Oaks Team is reaching out to Canada’s poets for a poem to be read at the planting of the ‘repatriated’ Vimy Oaks in 2017 in France for the 100th Anniversary of the battle, and Canada’s 150th birthday. The trees represent our fallen soldiers and present Canadians who are standing on guard for democracy and freedom. They ‘say’ to the French (and other allies) that Canada answers the call. 100 years later the acorn has returned. We have not forgotten.
Mr. Gordon Lane (London, Ontario) submitted his father’s First World War poems which had only recently been rediscovered. Andrew Lane was a Gunner with the 43rd Battery Canadian Field Artillery. The unit was commissioned in 1916 by Lt. Col. David McCrae, John McCrae’s father. Gunner Lane’s poems written in 1917‐1918, provide us with a contemporary soldier’s thoughts and emotions. займ
